To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

Big Sky High See page 6 Weber State University ' - i i - i h k . HE IGNPOST Elk I PP ling vDwpims do Chef justice angry at senate soman! 5 5h By Lynn Wilde news editor I The Signpost The Weber State University Student Senate met Monday to a full gallery, an angry Supreme Court Justice, conflicting views about qualified appointees and a bill that passed with a unanimous vote. The senate had three people to appoint: Native American senator Kolani Martin, parliamentarian Zach Jones, and Supreme Court Justice Destry East. Martin and Jones were both appointed with a 13-1 vote each. Destry 's 8-6 vote left him without a 23 majority and without a position on the court. When the president of the senate announced Destry's failed appointment, Supreme Court Chief Justice. Brett Jones threw the papers he was holding to the ground, told Associate Justice Ryan Jessen "You do it," referring to the swearing-in process, and quickly left the room. Jessen swore the two appointees in then left with Jones and East. "I'm furious with the senate," Jones said outside the conference room. Old business, Senator John Hill submitted the WSU R3 M Carbon Emissions Reduction Initiative. The bill recognizes WSU 's contributions in reducing carbon emissions so far, and calls for WSU to continue to make environmentally conscious decisions. The bill, which had been tabled to clarify it, passed unanimously. Issues forum Senator Michael Kofoed suggested an ad-hoc committee review the bylaws and bring them in harmony with the constitution before the end of the senate term. "I know this week there has been a lot of confusion," Kofoed said, "because the bylaws say one thing, and the constitution said another tiling." He said there are contradictions within the bylaws, and unclear cfuties. The committee was formed. Bentley said he would put the committee on the agenda in the future. Senator Jacob Adams saidhe was concerned about the portion of the mission statement of the Senate that says "...promote student involvement in all levels. . ." specifically, all the people who were not confirmed by the Senate. He said the people who came before the Senate to be ratified were qualified candidates in his opinion; a nay vote should not be "Vm furious with the senate." Brett Jones, Supreme Court chief justice m based on a personal problem. If a potential candidate saw the work involved to get to the confirmation process only to get denied, student involvement would fall. "It's a really big intimidation factor," Adams said. Senator Todd Gilbert said that if there were many applications for the positions, the Senate could be more selective with the confirmation process. However, with few applicants, the strictures should to be eased up. He said if a person has a genuine interest and is willing to put the time and effort into the job, that person should be confirmed. If a senator has a problem with a candidate that may result in a possible nay vote, Gilbert suggested that senator go to the candidate and explain why he or she might not vote for the candidate. He said he thinks the candidate will have a resolution. "That way, they're not totally shut down 100 percent," Gilbert said. Hill said as a result of the Senate not confirming East, there is a vacancy in the supreme court. "That's a hard thing to deal with," Hill said. However, the proxy Hispanic senator said quality is more important than quantity. The ratification process is like a job interview. She said it would be idealistic to have an employer give a job applicant another chance after that applicant fails the job interview. Olsen and Kofoed both agreed that appointees should have quality over quantity. Bentley said he knows how frightening the appointment process can be. He said when he was first appointed as a senator, hedid not know the bylaws, nor the working of the Senate. But he had something to ensure his success. "I had a passion for change," Bentley said. "I had a passion for helping this university improve." He said job knowledge can be taught but passion cannot. Comment on this story at wsusignpos t.com. a- - ! S ' t i ' '- ;. t ... f PHOTO BY LYNN WILDE THt SIGNPOST Weber State University Native American student senator is sworn in by by Associate Supreme Court justice Ryan Jessen. I OgdefTpoTicfe ticket WSU .- f ' ' PHOTO BY CATHERINE MORTIMER THt SIGNPOST Ogden City police ticketed about 50 Weber State University cars parked on the east side of Harrison Blvd on Tuesday morning. The ticketing began about 8:30 and lasted nearly two hours. "Cars were parked in a travel lane," Ogden City Lt. Scott Sangberg said. "If someone had an accident and we had taken no action, we could be liable." Ogden City police contacted the state roads department to remove the snow in that lane, and hopefully it will be cleared for classes on Wednesday, but Sangberg said until the road is cleared, police will continue ticketing. "It's pretty obvious it's a roadway," Sangberg said. "If drivers can't see the curb and leave their cars in the roadway, they will be ticketed." Historical movie graces Davis Diversity event amazing r By Alyson Robinett correspondent I 77ie Signpost On Saturday, Feb. 9, Director of Diversity at the Weber State University Davis Campus Catherine E m a n g organized a movie night for WSU students and community to watch "Amazing Grace." The event's intent was to give WSU students a deeper understanding of the conditions African slaves endured while being transported across the Atlantic. Below decks they were put in chains and manacles surrounded by the stench of human waste. They watched as their dead or nearly dead were tossed over the side of the ship. "It's hard to think," Emang said, "that out of the 600 slaves who started the voyage, only 200 survived." "Amazing Grace" is based on the story of William Wilberforce, a British Parliamentarian in the early 1800's who fought for several decades trying to end the British Empire's role in the slave trade. At 21, Wilberforce began taking on senior Parliamentarians 1 to bring about justice in the world. . Despite . ? getting his proposal shot down time after time, he persisted with what he thought was right. "I have seen this movie eight times," Emang said, "and with February being Black History Month, I just thought this movie really capttired the emotions of it. I wanted to show people how one guy can really make a difference." Though slavery is over in the U.S., Emang said oppression is not. "I think as Americans maybe we're not repressing literal slaves anymore," Emang said, "but we are definitely still separating other groups, just on a smaller scale." She built a five-foot by 16-inch wooden box to replicate the average space each slave was allowed on ships traveling from Africa. The box sat at the front of the room for students to look at as they watched the movie, then afterwards they were given the chance to try and fit inside. After the movie, Herman Hooten, WSU professor of sociology, directed a discussion. "It would be scary to me to be confined to a nine-foot by 12-inch jail cell," Hooten said. "Think of what it was like, cramped into See Grace page 5 v i PHOIOS li'l LORI BURNINC.HAM I lit bK.NPOl Weber State University sociology professor Herman Hooten talks about the dificult conditions on a slave ship. Presidential candidates continue to campaign McCain shoo-in, Obama gains ground .By Jestina Clayton sr. news reporter I The Signpost The results of the election primaries that took place over the weekend sent a message to each of the presidential candidates while Senator Barack Obama pocketed victories, he still attracts the same demographic which may cause problems for him down the road; Senator Hillary Clinton's defeat led to a shake-up within her campaign. In the Republican race, Senator McCain learned that he has "some convincing to do" to inspire the support of conservative Republicans, and Huckabee's weekend wins indicate that the religious right form a powerful force to reckon with. On Saturday, Feb. 9, Obama won four Democratic caucuses in Maine, Washington state, Louisiana and Nebraska. Clinton didn't win any primaries. "It's interesting that Obama has continued to win caucus states," said Leah Murray, associate professor with Weber State University's Political Science Department, "and Clinton, on the other hand, continues to attract party faithfuls." Maine went to Obama, contrary to the expectations of the Clinton campaign. The Clinton camp hoped to win Maine because of its makeup of older people who earn approximately $50,000 a year. Murray said although she didn't know why Clinton and Obama attract the people they do, it is clear that both presidential candidates have to reach across the aisle in order to win the party's nomination. As a result of the loss of die Maine election primary, Clinton sacked Patti Solis Doyle, who had led her campaign since its inception. In the Republican race, Mike Huckabee won Saturday's election primary in Louisiana and the caucus in Kansas. In response to a question about McCain's candidacy, President Bush said in an interview on Fox News "... .. PI IOIO SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS Barack Obama PHOIO SOUKLb: ASSOCIATED PRESS Mike Huckabee Sunday that Senator McCain is a true conservative. "L think that if John is the nominee," Bush said, "he has got some convincing to do to convince people that he is a solid conservative. And I'll be glad to help him if he is the nominee." As the battle for the nomination continues, WSU students have been weighing in on the campaign strategies and policies of the presidential candidates. Sarah LeTourneau, a WSU freshman who voted for Barrack Obama on Super Tuesday, said she likes neither Clinton nor Mitt Romney. "I believe that Obamahas a chance to win the nomination," LeTourneau said. "You never know what will happen." However, she said she didn't think America should withdraw from Iraq, a sentiment that is in opposition to Obama's foreign policy. Amanda Hamon, a WSU freshman who said she didn't make it to the polls last Tuesday, said she would have voted for Mitt Romney. She said she is now sad because Romney withdrew from die presidential race. Citing Huckabee's religious beliefs, Hamon said she might vote for the former Arkansas governor in the November election if he wins the Republican nomination. "I'd choose Clinton over Obama if I were to make a choice between the two of them," I lamon said, "because I don't agree with Obama's policies." Like Hamon, WSU fresliman Barry Bricks is a Romney supporter. But he said he might vote for McCain in November now that Romney has withdrawn. Bricks said that although he has some questions about McCain's policies, he generally agrees with the candidate enough to vote for him if he wins the Republican nomination. However, in the Democratic race, Bricks said he has too many questions about the policies of the leading candidates. "I might choose Obama," Bricks said, "because he is the lesser of two eTls." Comment on this story at wsusignpost.com . ' Vv , i , ., .. , ,, , i Mens in Brief Board of Trustees On Tues. Feb. 12, the Weber State University Board of Trustees approved a raise in housing prices at Promontory Tower, University Village and married housing for the 2008-09 school year. The prices will increase .82 percent to 6.93 percent depending in the unit and features. Also, the board voted to approve a bachelor of arts or science in dance. The program will piggyback with the department of education to get licensed in a secondary arena. WSU is ready to start teaching the program without additional faculty; also, ample room is allocated for the program. The Board of Regents will have to give final approval on the bachelor of dance programTell me a story The ancient custom of storytelling will be celebrated at Weber State University's 12th annual Storytelling Festival on Feb. 25-27. The first two days of the festival will be held at the Megaplex 13 at the Junction Theaters. On Feb. 27, the festival will move south to the Davis Conference Center in Layton. Additional festival activities will be held on the WSU campus and at local schools all three days. Festival organizers are excited about having the Megaplex 13 as a new venue this year. "The individual auditoriums provide a wonderful .etting.fo.r .ours.chool groups to hear stories," said Ann Ellis, Storytelling Festival chair. "The theater management has been very accommodating, even adjusting the start time of some of their films so we could use the facility." As in past years, the 2008 festival will feature four nationally renowned storytellers: Willy Claflin, Elizabeth Ellis, Bobby Norfolk and Dovie Thomason. Claflin and Thomason have entertained audiences at previous WSU Storytelling Festivals, while Ellis and Norfolk will be appearing for die first time. The festival will include performances from approximately 30 regional and local storytellers and more than 50 student storytellers from the Davis, Morgan, Ogden and Weber school districts. Festival organizers hold auditions every other year to choose participants. It is one of the few opportunities in the country for children to share their tales on stage. The festival continues to grow in popularity. The festival attracted more than 14,000 visitors last year, and organizers expect this year's audience could exceed that number. The WSU Storytelling Festival is unique in that it is the only one in the nation sponsored by a university in partnership with local school districts. A conference format of concurrent sessions over a three-day period allows listeners to select from a variety of storytelling genres. Workshops on the art of storytelling provide an opportunity for teachers from sponsoring school districts, students and other interested adults to enhance their storytelling proficiency and strengthen their literacy skills. Another workshop will examine practical applications for storytelling skills. "Some of our storytellers are hired by corporations to capture company histories," Ann Ellis said. "Young attorneys also seek out storytellers to develop or hone their courtroom presentation and summation skills." The annual Meet the Storytellers Dinner will be held Feb. 26 in the Shepherd Union Ballroom.

Public Domain. Courtesy of University Archives, Stewart Library, Weber State University.

Full-Text

Big Sky High See page 6 Weber State University ' - i i - i h k . HE IGNPOST Elk I PP ling vDwpims do Chef justice angry at senate soman! 5 5h By Lynn Wilde news editor I The Signpost The Weber State University Student Senate met Monday to a full gallery, an angry Supreme Court Justice, conflicting views about qualified appointees and a bill that passed with a unanimous vote. The senate had three people to appoint: Native American senator Kolani Martin, parliamentarian Zach Jones, and Supreme Court Justice Destry East. Martin and Jones were both appointed with a 13-1 vote each. Destry 's 8-6 vote left him without a 23 majority and without a position on the court. When the president of the senate announced Destry's failed appointment, Supreme Court Chief Justice. Brett Jones threw the papers he was holding to the ground, told Associate Justice Ryan Jessen "You do it," referring to the swearing-in process, and quickly left the room. Jessen swore the two appointees in then left with Jones and East. "I'm furious with the senate," Jones said outside the conference room. Old business, Senator John Hill submitted the WSU R3 M Carbon Emissions Reduction Initiative. The bill recognizes WSU 's contributions in reducing carbon emissions so far, and calls for WSU to continue to make environmentally conscious decisions. The bill, which had been tabled to clarify it, passed unanimously. Issues forum Senator Michael Kofoed suggested an ad-hoc committee review the bylaws and bring them in harmony with the constitution before the end of the senate term. "I know this week there has been a lot of confusion," Kofoed said, "because the bylaws say one thing, and the constitution said another tiling." He said there are contradictions within the bylaws, and unclear cfuties. The committee was formed. Bentley said he would put the committee on the agenda in the future. Senator Jacob Adams saidhe was concerned about the portion of the mission statement of the Senate that says "...promote student involvement in all levels. . ." specifically, all the people who were not confirmed by the Senate. He said the people who came before the Senate to be ratified were qualified candidates in his opinion; a nay vote should not be "Vm furious with the senate." Brett Jones, Supreme Court chief justice m based on a personal problem. If a potential candidate saw the work involved to get to the confirmation process only to get denied, student involvement would fall. "It's a really big intimidation factor," Adams said. Senator Todd Gilbert said that if there were many applications for the positions, the Senate could be more selective with the confirmation process. However, with few applicants, the strictures should to be eased up. He said if a person has a genuine interest and is willing to put the time and effort into the job, that person should be confirmed. If a senator has a problem with a candidate that may result in a possible nay vote, Gilbert suggested that senator go to the candidate and explain why he or she might not vote for the candidate. He said he thinks the candidate will have a resolution. "That way, they're not totally shut down 100 percent," Gilbert said. Hill said as a result of the Senate not confirming East, there is a vacancy in the supreme court. "That's a hard thing to deal with," Hill said. However, the proxy Hispanic senator said quality is more important than quantity. The ratification process is like a job interview. She said it would be idealistic to have an employer give a job applicant another chance after that applicant fails the job interview. Olsen and Kofoed both agreed that appointees should have quality over quantity. Bentley said he knows how frightening the appointment process can be. He said when he was first appointed as a senator, hedid not know the bylaws, nor the working of the Senate. But he had something to ensure his success. "I had a passion for change," Bentley said. "I had a passion for helping this university improve." He said job knowledge can be taught but passion cannot. Comment on this story at wsusignpos t.com. a- - ! S ' t i ' '- ;. t ... f PHOTO BY LYNN WILDE THt SIGNPOST Weber State University Native American student senator is sworn in by by Associate Supreme Court justice Ryan Jessen. I OgdefTpoTicfe ticket WSU .- f ' ' PHOTO BY CATHERINE MORTIMER THt SIGNPOST Ogden City police ticketed about 50 Weber State University cars parked on the east side of Harrison Blvd on Tuesday morning. The ticketing began about 8:30 and lasted nearly two hours. "Cars were parked in a travel lane," Ogden City Lt. Scott Sangberg said. "If someone had an accident and we had taken no action, we could be liable." Ogden City police contacted the state roads department to remove the snow in that lane, and hopefully it will be cleared for classes on Wednesday, but Sangberg said until the road is cleared, police will continue ticketing. "It's pretty obvious it's a roadway," Sangberg said. "If drivers can't see the curb and leave their cars in the roadway, they will be ticketed." Historical movie graces Davis Diversity event amazing r By Alyson Robinett correspondent I 77ie Signpost On Saturday, Feb. 9, Director of Diversity at the Weber State University Davis Campus Catherine E m a n g organized a movie night for WSU students and community to watch "Amazing Grace." The event's intent was to give WSU students a deeper understanding of the conditions African slaves endured while being transported across the Atlantic. Below decks they were put in chains and manacles surrounded by the stench of human waste. They watched as their dead or nearly dead were tossed over the side of the ship. "It's hard to think," Emang said, "that out of the 600 slaves who started the voyage, only 200 survived." "Amazing Grace" is based on the story of William Wilberforce, a British Parliamentarian in the early 1800's who fought for several decades trying to end the British Empire's role in the slave trade. At 21, Wilberforce began taking on senior Parliamentarians 1 to bring about justice in the world. . Despite . ? getting his proposal shot down time after time, he persisted with what he thought was right. "I have seen this movie eight times," Emang said, "and with February being Black History Month, I just thought this movie really capttired the emotions of it. I wanted to show people how one guy can really make a difference." Though slavery is over in the U.S., Emang said oppression is not. "I think as Americans maybe we're not repressing literal slaves anymore," Emang said, "but we are definitely still separating other groups, just on a smaller scale." She built a five-foot by 16-inch wooden box to replicate the average space each slave was allowed on ships traveling from Africa. The box sat at the front of the room for students to look at as they watched the movie, then afterwards they were given the chance to try and fit inside. After the movie, Herman Hooten, WSU professor of sociology, directed a discussion. "It would be scary to me to be confined to a nine-foot by 12-inch jail cell," Hooten said. "Think of what it was like, cramped into See Grace page 5 v i PHOIOS li'l LORI BURNINC.HAM I lit bK.NPOl Weber State University sociology professor Herman Hooten talks about the dificult conditions on a slave ship. Presidential candidates continue to campaign McCain shoo-in, Obama gains ground .By Jestina Clayton sr. news reporter I The Signpost The results of the election primaries that took place over the weekend sent a message to each of the presidential candidates while Senator Barack Obama pocketed victories, he still attracts the same demographic which may cause problems for him down the road; Senator Hillary Clinton's defeat led to a shake-up within her campaign. In the Republican race, Senator McCain learned that he has "some convincing to do" to inspire the support of conservative Republicans, and Huckabee's weekend wins indicate that the religious right form a powerful force to reckon with. On Saturday, Feb. 9, Obama won four Democratic caucuses in Maine, Washington state, Louisiana and Nebraska. Clinton didn't win any primaries. "It's interesting that Obama has continued to win caucus states," said Leah Murray, associate professor with Weber State University's Political Science Department, "and Clinton, on the other hand, continues to attract party faithfuls." Maine went to Obama, contrary to the expectations of the Clinton campaign. The Clinton camp hoped to win Maine because of its makeup of older people who earn approximately $50,000 a year. Murray said although she didn't know why Clinton and Obama attract the people they do, it is clear that both presidential candidates have to reach across the aisle in order to win the party's nomination. As a result of the loss of die Maine election primary, Clinton sacked Patti Solis Doyle, who had led her campaign since its inception. In the Republican race, Mike Huckabee won Saturday's election primary in Louisiana and the caucus in Kansas. In response to a question about McCain's candidacy, President Bush said in an interview on Fox News "... .. PI IOIO SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS Barack Obama PHOIO SOUKLb: ASSOCIATED PRESS Mike Huckabee Sunday that Senator McCain is a true conservative. "L think that if John is the nominee," Bush said, "he has got some convincing to do to convince people that he is a solid conservative. And I'll be glad to help him if he is the nominee." As the battle for the nomination continues, WSU students have been weighing in on the campaign strategies and policies of the presidential candidates. Sarah LeTourneau, a WSU freshman who voted for Barrack Obama on Super Tuesday, said she likes neither Clinton nor Mitt Romney. "I believe that Obamahas a chance to win the nomination," LeTourneau said. "You never know what will happen." However, she said she didn't think America should withdraw from Iraq, a sentiment that is in opposition to Obama's foreign policy. Amanda Hamon, a WSU freshman who said she didn't make it to the polls last Tuesday, said she would have voted for Mitt Romney. She said she is now sad because Romney withdrew from die presidential race. Citing Huckabee's religious beliefs, Hamon said she might vote for the former Arkansas governor in the November election if he wins the Republican nomination. "I'd choose Clinton over Obama if I were to make a choice between the two of them," I lamon said, "because I don't agree with Obama's policies." Like Hamon, WSU fresliman Barry Bricks is a Romney supporter. But he said he might vote for McCain in November now that Romney has withdrawn. Bricks said that although he has some questions about McCain's policies, he generally agrees with the candidate enough to vote for him if he wins the Republican nomination. However, in the Democratic race, Bricks said he has too many questions about the policies of the leading candidates. "I might choose Obama," Bricks said, "because he is the lesser of two eTls." Comment on this story at wsusignpost.com . ' Vv , i , ., .. , ,, , i Mens in Brief Board of Trustees On Tues. Feb. 12, the Weber State University Board of Trustees approved a raise in housing prices at Promontory Tower, University Village and married housing for the 2008-09 school year. The prices will increase .82 percent to 6.93 percent depending in the unit and features. Also, the board voted to approve a bachelor of arts or science in dance. The program will piggyback with the department of education to get licensed in a secondary arena. WSU is ready to start teaching the program without additional faculty; also, ample room is allocated for the program. The Board of Regents will have to give final approval on the bachelor of dance programTell me a story The ancient custom of storytelling will be celebrated at Weber State University's 12th annual Storytelling Festival on Feb. 25-27. The first two days of the festival will be held at the Megaplex 13 at the Junction Theaters. On Feb. 27, the festival will move south to the Davis Conference Center in Layton. Additional festival activities will be held on the WSU campus and at local schools all three days. Festival organizers are excited about having the Megaplex 13 as a new venue this year. "The individual auditoriums provide a wonderful .etting.fo.r .ours.chool groups to hear stories," said Ann Ellis, Storytelling Festival chair. "The theater management has been very accommodating, even adjusting the start time of some of their films so we could use the facility." As in past years, the 2008 festival will feature four nationally renowned storytellers: Willy Claflin, Elizabeth Ellis, Bobby Norfolk and Dovie Thomason. Claflin and Thomason have entertained audiences at previous WSU Storytelling Festivals, while Ellis and Norfolk will be appearing for die first time. The festival will include performances from approximately 30 regional and local storytellers and more than 50 student storytellers from the Davis, Morgan, Ogden and Weber school districts. Festival organizers hold auditions every other year to choose participants. It is one of the few opportunities in the country for children to share their tales on stage. The festival continues to grow in popularity. The festival attracted more than 14,000 visitors last year, and organizers expect this year's audience could exceed that number. The WSU Storytelling Festival is unique in that it is the only one in the nation sponsored by a university in partnership with local school districts. A conference format of concurrent sessions over a three-day period allows listeners to select from a variety of storytelling genres. Workshops on the art of storytelling provide an opportunity for teachers from sponsoring school districts, students and other interested adults to enhance their storytelling proficiency and strengthen their literacy skills. Another workshop will examine practical applications for storytelling skills. "Some of our storytellers are hired by corporations to capture company histories," Ann Ellis said. "Young attorneys also seek out storytellers to develop or hone their courtroom presentation and summation skills." The annual Meet the Storytellers Dinner will be held Feb. 26 in the Shepherd Union Ballroom.